What Communities Can Do to Grow Their Workforce

Workforce Development Month, observed in September, is pivotal for fostering community growth and progress in Devils Lake, North Dakota. This dedicated month is full of opportunity, spotlighting the significance of equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge essential for personal advancement and the overall betterment of the community. Against the backdrop of the stunning Devils Lake, this initiative takes on added importance as it strives to align the local workforce with the dynamic demands of the region's economic landscape. Throughout September, across the nation, diverse workshops, seminars, and training sessions come to life, nurturing talents and honing expertise that directly contribute to the community's sustainable development.

With a focus on collaboration between educational institutions, local businesses, and government entities, Workforce Development Month at Devils Lake underscores the collective commitment to empowering individuals, reducing unemployment, and fostering an environment of innovation. As the autumnal breeze sweeps across the picturesque North Dakota landscape, this month-long endeavor prepares the workforce for the challenges of today and cultivates a foundation for a prosperous tomorrow, where the community around Devils Lake can thrive in unity and resilience.

How do communities attract their workforce?

Workforce attraction has become critical from a business and community perspective. As the unemployment rate continues to drop, fewer people are in the market for a position, making it necessary to do more than simply post a job opening. Now, communities and businesses must demonstrate how workers will benefit from locating and accepting that job in their community.

Here is what communities can do to help businesses attract their workforce:

Build a culture

People want to know they are going somewhere that feels like home. This requires building a culture and a sense of place that people can relate to. Community events, volunteerism campaigns, community organizations, and family-friendly activities tell a story. They tell a story about the culture of a community. Community leaders and stakeholders should audit these events, organizations, and activities to determine what they say about a community’s culture and whether more activities should be planned around any given aspect. For example, if a community wants to have a family-friendly culture, there needs to be events throughout the year for young families, service organizations that cater to them, and groups in place to support them.

Focus on quality of life

Quality of life initiatives are important for communities trying to expand their workforce. These initiatives range from simple things like installing play equipment in local parks to major undertakings like building bike trails for athletically minded people. The key is to identify what will make the biggest impact, create a plan, and begin working towards its implementation.

Tell a story

What is life like in your community? The best way for someone to find out is for people who already live there to tell their story. Through blogs, videos, and social posts, individuals and families can talk about their lives and what makes it so enjoyable. By sharing different perspectives and personal stories, others can begin to imagine what their life would be like if they moved to your area.

Forward Devils Lake is Working to Attract Workers to Our Community

The North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights is responsible for enforcing North Dakota labor and human rights laws and educating the public about these laws.

The mission at Forward Devils Lake is to foster and develop existing and new businesses and industries in the Lake region! We invite you to join us in creating a cohesive culture, improving quality of life, and telling our story. This is an excellent place to live, work, and raise a family. Now, it’s time to spread the word. Contact us here for more information.